The Cleveland Browns’ quarterback competition between Deshaun Watson and Shedeur Sanders remains unresolved as of June 12, 2026, with head coach Todd Monken refusing to name a starter before training camp. Watson, who entered the offseason with a mixed legacy after a 2024 trade from Houston, has completed 61% of his passes since joining the Browns in 2022, while Sanders—now in his second season—has shown rapid improvement in offseason workouts, according to offensive coordinator Travis Switzer. General manager Andrew Berry confirmed Friday that “everything is on the table” for Watson, including a contract extension, signaling the Browns are treating the competition as a true battle for the No. 1 job.
Why the Browns’ QB Race Is Still Unsettled
Monken’s reluctance to declare a starter stems from his belief that both quarterbacks are capable of leading the team to victory. “I think they both can start and play winning football,” he told reporters after minicamp, adding that the decision would come only after seeing them in full pads during training camp. This stance contrasts with the Browns’ owner, Jimmy Haslam, who called Watson’s trade a “big swing and a miss” in 2024—a remark Berry dismissed as irrelevant to the team’s current approach.
Berry’s comment—”I think you deal with what you have”—underscores the Browns’ pragmatic shift. The franchise, which has struggled at the quarterback position for years, appears willing to embrace uncertainty rather than rush a decision. “The public discourse doesn’t play a factor into it,” Berry said, framing the competition as an internal evaluation rather than a media-driven spectacle.
Watson’s path back to relevance hinges on his ability to replicate his 2020 MVP-caliber form, while Sanders—who entered the league as the No. 1 overall pick in 2024—must prove he can handle the pressure of a high-stakes competition. According to the Browns’ official account, Sanders has made “impressive progress” in offseason drills, with teammates like cornerback Tyson Campbell noting his improved poise and readiness. “The way he carries himself, the way he practices—you could tell he’s being even more than the pro that he was last year,” Campbell said.
Watson’s Contract and the Browns’ Dilemma
Watson’s contract situation adds another layer of complexity. He is entering the final year of his deal with Cleveland, a fact that has fueled speculation about whether the Browns will extend him or explore trade options. Berry’s statement—”everything is on the table”—suggests the team is open to negotiating a new contract, but the lack of a clear starter decision complicates those talks. Watson’s 2026 salary, while not publicly disclosed, is likely a key factor in any extension discussions.
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For Sanders, the stakes are different: he’s under team control for three more seasons and carries a lower cap hit, making him a more cost-effective long-term solution. Yet his inexperience—he’s never started a regular-season game—means the Browns are treating the competition as a true test of readiness. “I try to make everything about being the best quarterback in the world a point of emphasis,” Sanders said in a team statement, reflecting his ambition to surpass Watson.
What the Sources Say—and What They Don’t
While the Browns’ official stance emphasizes patience, external reports suggest a more competitive dynamic than initially expected. According to NBC Sports, Watson has been throwing with more urgency in practices, a sign he’s pushing to reclaim his starting role. Meanwhile, the Browns’ internal assessments, as reported by the team’s official site, highlight Sanders’ rapid development, particularly in reading defenses and making quick decisions.
The only contradiction between sources lies in the timeline for a decision. Monken has repeatedly stated he won’t name a starter before training camp, while Dawg Pound Daily notes that fans are growing impatient. “It would be much better to roll into training camp with a clear-cut starter,” the outlet argues, framing the delay as a potential setback. Yet Monken’s insistence on seeing both players in full gear suggests the Browns are prioritizing performance over optics.
The Implications for Cleveland’s 2026 Season
The Browns’ QB competition carries major implications for their 2026 campaign. If Watson wins the job, Cleveland would likely lean on his veteran leadership, though his injury history and inconsistent play since 2020 remain concerns. Sanders, meanwhile, would offer a younger, more mobile option—one that could redefine the franchise’s offense if he develops as expected.
Historically, extended QB competitions have yielded mixed results. The 2023 49ers’ battle between Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson ultimately led to Purdy’s breakout season, while the 2022 Ravens’ delay in naming Lamar Jackson as the starter created early-season chaos. The Browns’ approach—delaying the decision until training camp—mirrors the Ravens’ caution but with a key difference: both Watson and Sanders are viewed as viable starters, not just backup options.
This follows our earlier report, Browns’ offensive line overhaul shines in OTAs as QB race takes backseat.
Berry’s emphasis on flexibility—citing examples like Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield—suggests the Browns are treating this as a high-stakes gamble. “We’ve seen it with guys whether it’s Sam Darnold, or Daniel Jones, or Geno Smith,” Berry said, referencing quarterbacks who thrived in competitive situations. The question now is whether Watson or Sanders can deliver the kind of performance that justifies the Browns’ patience.
What Happens Next?
The next critical phase begins in late July, when the Browns’ training camp officially starts. Monken has indicated he will alternate Watson and Sanders in practices, allowing him to evaluate their progress in real-game scenarios. By August, he expects to have a clearer picture—and likely a starting quarterback.
For Watson, the clock is ticking. If he doesn’t secure the job by then, his trade value could spike, especially if Sanders continues to impress. Sanders, meanwhile, faces the pressure of proving he can outperform a veteran with MVP-level talent. The Browns’ willingness to let the competition play out suggests they are betting on development over immediate results—a gamble that could pay off if either quarterback elevates their game.
One thing is certain: Cleveland’s QB saga is far from over. And with the 2026 season looming, the Browns’ patience may soon be tested.
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